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Growing up in Sweden

Of the nine million people who live in Sweden, almost two million are under 18. Swedish law makes sure children are well protected and defends their rights, with various organizations devoted to their well-being. In 1979, Sweden became the first country to forbid beating or spanking children, making it a criminal offence.
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To protect the rights of children and look after their interests, the Swedish government has appointed an ombudsman. The ombudsman is obliged to follow the 1989 United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and enforce it in Swedish society. The convention is a set of rules agreed upon by many countries to protect children. Sweden was one of the first countries to sign up.
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